Display electronic label

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a display ( 1 ), in particular for an electronic label for a price display system in a store, comprising at least a price display zone ( 7, 8, 9 ) including two figure displaying elements ( 15, 16, 17 ) of decreasing ranks to form a whole number. The invention is characterized in that at least part of a figure of higher rank has at least a dimension smaller than the corresponding dimension of the figure of lower rank in accordance with a ratio.

The invention concerns electronic labels intended in particular forprice display systems in hypermarket type stores.

The main object of price display systems is to make it possible, at theshelves of a site such as a hypermarket, supermarket or any other salesarea (for example a pharmacy, etc.), to present to the customers, foreach item for sale, a price which it is known will correspond accuratelyto the price as it appears in the central file of the store, that is tosay the price as will actually be used at the till for payment for theitem. Moreover, such systems make it possible to carry out automatedprice changes within much shorter times than with a manual display,whether for particular promotion periods in the store, for all or someof the items, to reflect price list changes, to meet inflationsituations where the prices have to be increased very frequently, etc.

Furthermore, as regards price display, there are many constraints, inparticular legal ones, regarding the nature of the prices displayed(unit price, promotional price, etc.) which must be complied with byelectronic systems in the same way as by paper labels. Thus electroniclabels, although they are tending to become increasingly sophisticated,remain however relatively inflexible as regards the various displaypossibilities and as regards the organisation time-wise of these variouspossibilities.

Electronic labels, such as those described in the document FR-2802693,allow many display possibilities in order to comply with the previouslymentioned legal constraints with a flexible and fast update. However,such labels can prove difficult for the customer to read, on account ofthe considerable amount of information to be displayed.

Certainly, in order to save space, in the label of the aforementioneddocument in particular, resorting to smaller figures for designating thefigures of the price situated after the decimal point is known, in orderto thus either reduce the total space requirement of the liquid crystaldisplay area of the label or, with an equal space requirement, increasethe display possibilities or the readability of the display in theremaining areas of the label.

One aim of the invention is to provide a display device for anelectronic label making it possible to go even further in this process,that is to say either reduce the overall size of the display withoutimpairing the readability, or improve the readability or the displaypossibilities for a given display size.

For that, there is provided, according to the invention, a displaydevice, in particular for an electronic label for a price display systemin a store, comprising at least one price display area comprising atleast two figure displaying elements of decreasing ranks intended toform an integer, characterised in that at least part of a figure ofhigher rank has at least one dimension smaller than the correspondingdimension of a figure of lower rank according to a ratio.

Thus, the most commonly used figures can be seen clearly by the customer(like, for example, for prices in euros, the centimes, the euros,perhaps even the tens of euros, which make it possible to display theprice of over 95% of the items in a hypermarket), whilst the leastcommonly used figures (like, in the present example, the hundreds, thethousands of euros, etc.) are more unobtrusive and occupy a reduceddisplay device surface area. This makes it possible to optimise as muchas possible the layout of the display areas of the electronic labelwithout degrading its readability by a customer or the amount ofinformation displayed.

Advantageously, the display device also has at least one of thefollowing optional characteristics:

-   -   said dimension is the overall width of the figure displaying        element;    -   each figure displaying element comprises superposed left-hand        vertical segments and superposed right-hand vertical segments,        and in that said dimension is the width of the left-hand        segments;    -   each figure displaying element comprises horizontal segments        extending between left-hand and right-hand generally vertical        segments, and in that said dimension is the length of the        horizontal segments;    -   the figure displaying elements form the integer part of a main        price display area of the display area;    -   the ratio is between 0.4 and 1;    -   the ratio is between 0.65 and 0.95;    -   the display area comprises at least three figure displaying        elements of decreasing rank intended to form an integer;    -   the display area comprises at least four figure displaying        elements of decreasing rank intended to form an integer; and    -   the display device comprises three price display areas.

There is also provided, according to the invention, an electronic label,in particular for a price display system in a store, comprising adisplay device having at least one of the aforementionedcharacteristics.

Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emergemore clearly from the following description of two embodiments andvariants. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a layout diagram of a display device for an electronic labelaccording to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a layout diagram in a variant of the display device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting the successive figure displaying elementsof a display area of the display device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a layout diagram of a display device for an electronic labelaccording to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a layout diagram in a variant of the display device of FIG. 4;and

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting one of the figure displaying elements ofthe display device of FIG. 4.

With reference to FIG. 1, the first embodiment of a display device 1 foran electronic label will be described. This display device consists ofat least one plate 2, preferably made of glass, on one side of whichthere are positioned connection means 3 extending so as to protrude,here from the upper side of the plate 2. The connection means 3 have aseries of conductive strips 4 capable of implementing an electricalconnection between the display device and the electronic label device(not depicted) into which the display device 1 comes to be plugged in.One face of the plate 2 comprises display means 6 which can bepreferentially of liquid crystal display (LCD) type, the technology ofwhich is known per se. The display means 2 have several display areas 7,8 and 9, here three in number.

The first display area 7 comprises a pictogram 19 representingpreferentially a currency symbol of a country where the electronic labelis used. Here, the pictogram corresponds to the United Kingdom poundsterling (£). Next, the first display area has three figure displayingelements 21, 22 and 23 constituting the integer part of the pricecapable of being displayed in the display area 7, and then a point 14separating the integer part from a decimal part of the price constitutedby two figure displaying elements 20. Finally, a second pictogram 24completes the display area 7. Here, the pictogram 24 represents thepenny (p) which is one hundredth of the pound sterling.

The second display area 8 here comprises a series of three figuredisplaying elements having an identical display matrix. This displayarea is intended to present any information whatsoever consisting offigures.

The third display area 9 is similar to the first display area 7. Themain difference between the two display areas is the dimensions of theinformation presented which are larger in the third display area 9 thanin the first display area 7. The display area 9 is intended to displaythe price of the item as presented for sale on the shelf of the gondolawhere said electronic label is placed. Therefore, the display area 9comprises:

-   -   a pictogram 11 representing here a currency symbol identical to        that presented by the pictogram 19;    -   a first series of three figure displaying elements 15, 16 and 17        constituting the integer part of the price;    -   a separation point 18;    -   a second series of two figure displaying elements 13        constituting the decimal part of the price; and    -   a second pictogram 12 similar in its form to the pictogram 24.

Under the third display area 9, the display device 6 has a pictogram 10,here in the form of an elongated bar. This pictogram 10, partlyunderlining the price displayed in the area 9, makes it possible toattract the attention of customers in order to indicate to them aspecial price such as a promotional price.

Each figure displaying element of each display area consists of sevensegments 501 to 507, as illustrated by the typical figure displayingelements in FIG. 3. Each segment is in the form of an elongated bar, theends of which end with a single bevel, as for the segments 501 to 506,or with a double bevel like the segment 507. Two segments 502 and 503form a left-hand column, two segments 505 and 506 form a right-handcolumn, and the last three segments 501, 504 and 507 connectrespectively the upper tips, the lower tips and the middles of the tworight-hand and left-hand columns. During operation of the display device6 of the label, each of the segments 501 to 507 is in either an on(or 1) state or an off (or 0) state. Thus, the different figures, from 0to 9, are displayed by considering the state of the seven segments 501to 507 in a manner perfectly known per se. For each of the precedingdisplay areas, the figure displaying element which will act as theorigin for dimensioning the other figure displaying elements of thedisplay area under consideration is similar to the typical figuredisplaying element 500 of FIG. 3: it has a height H1 and a width L1. Thetypical figure displaying element 510 has the same height H1 and a widthL2 less than or approximately equal to L1. Similarly, the typical figuredisplaying element 520 has an identical height H1 and a width L3 lessthan or approximately equal to L2. And, similarly, the typical figuredisplaying element 530 has an equal height H1 and a width L4 less thanor approximately equal to L3. Thus this gives: L4≦L3≦L2≦L1.

In the case of the first display area 7, the figure displaying elements20 are similar to the typical figure displaying element 500: they have aheight H1 and a width L1. The figure displaying element 21 is similar tothe typical figure displaying element 510 and has a width L2=0.89*L1.The figure displaying element 22 is similar to the typical figuredisplaying element 520 and has a width L3=0.84*L1≈0.94*L2. The figuredisplaying element 23 is similar to the typical figure displayingelement 530 and has a width L4=0.63*L1=0.75*L3.

In the case of the second display area 8, the three figure displayingelements are identical to one another and are similar to the typicalfigure displaying element 500.

In the case of the third display area 9, according to a reasoningsimilar to that used for the first display area, the figure displayingelements 13 are similar to the typical figure displaying element 500:they have a height H1 and a width L1. The figure displaying element 15,similar to the typical figure displaying element 510, has a widthL2=0.83*L1. The figure displaying element 16, similar to the typicalfigure displaying element 520, has a width L3=0.73*L1≈0.88*L2. Thefigure displaying element 17, similar to the typical figure displayingelement 530, has a width L4.=0.52*L1≈0.71*L3.

With reference to FIG. 2, a variant implementation 100 of the displaydevice 1 for an electronic label will be described. The display device100 is very similar to the display device 1. The disposition of thedifferent display areas on the display means 6 is slightly differentwith an increased surface area for the third display area 9. Thedisposition, within the different display areas, of the pictogramsand/or the figure displaying elements is identical. Moreover, theconnection means 3 extend so as to protrude from the left-hand side ofthe plate 2 of the display device for an electronic label 100.

In the display area 7 of the electronic label, if it is considered thatthe figure displaying elements 20 similar to the typical figuredisplaying element 500 have a width L1 and a height H1:

-   -   the figure displaying element 21 has a width L2=0.90*L1;    -   the figure displaying element 22 has a width L3=0.75*L1≈0.83*L2;    -   the figure displaying element 23 has a width L4=0.60*L1=0.80*L3.

Similarly, in the display area 9, if it is considered that the figuredisplaying elements 13 have a height H1 and a width L1:

-   -   the figure displaying element 15 has a width L2=0.85*L1;    -   the figure displaying element 16 has a width L3=0.70*L1≈0.82*L2;    -   the figure displaying element 17 has a width L4=0.56*L1=0.80*L3.

The main advantage of this display device structure is to allow optimumvisibility and readability of the most commonly displayed figures. Thisis because, for prices in pounds sterling for example, the figuredisplaying elements for the tens or hundreds are used less often thanthe price displaying element for the units: approximately 75% of itemsin a hypermarket cost less than £10 and only approximately 2% cost morethan £100. Therefore, when the figure displaying element for thehundreds is used, it is most often a “1”, that is the left-hand columnof the price displaying element.

The detailed description of a second embodiment of the inventionaccording to FIG. 4 and of a variant of this second embodiment accordingto FIG. 5 will now be given.

The display device for an electronic label 200 is in the form of a plate2 and comprises connection means 3 extending so as to protrude from theleft-hand side of said plate. Moreover, one face of the plate 2comprises display means 6 of LCD type. As previously, the display device200 comprises several display areas 7, 9 and 30, here also three innumber.

The display area 9 constitutes the main area and occupies more than theright-hand half of the total surface of the display means 6. As for thedisplay devices 1 and 100, this display area comprises a first series offigure displaying elements 15, 16 and 217, here three in number, aseparation point 218, and then a second series of figure displayingelements 213, here two in number. The first series of figure displayingelements constitutes the integer part of the price displayed in the areaand the second series of figure displaying elements constitutes thedecimal part of said price. Again, the figure displaying elements areformed by seven segments as described previously. Vertically in linewith and above the figure displaying element following the separationpoint, the display area 9 comprises a pictogram 11 which here representsthe Euro symbol, the single currency of the Euro Zone of the EuropeanCommunity. Moreover, the display area 9 comprises vertically in linewith the figure displaying element 217, above and below, a pictogram 32,33 representing an arrow pointing either upwards 32, or downwards 33.These two arrows allow the location of the item for which the area 9 isdisplaying the price, the item possibly being on the shelf bearing thelabel or underneath. Finally, a pictogram 210 is capable of partlyunderlining the price displayed in the area. This pictogram makes itpossible to signal a promotional price to the customer.

The figure displaying element 15 is similar to the typical figuredisplaying element 500 and has a height H1 and a width L1. The figuredisplaying element 16 is similar to the typical figure displayingelement 510: it has the same height as the figure displaying element 15and a width L2=0.88*L1. The figure displaying element 217 is similar tothe typical figure displaying element 540 illustrated in FIG. 6 anddescribed below. The figure displaying element 217 has a height H1 and awidth L5≈0.86*L2.

The typical figure displaying element 540, illustrated in FIG. 6,comprises a right-hand column consisting of two segments 542 and 543having a width L7. It also comprises a left-hand column formed from twosegments 545 and 546 having a width L6 which is less than orapproximately equal to L7. In the present case, L6≈0.82*L7.

The figure displaying elements 213 forming the decimal part of the priceto be displayed are of similar form to the typical figure displayingelement 500. They have however a height H2 less than or approximatelyequal to the height H1 of the figure displaying element 15 for theunits. Similarly, the figure displaying elements 13 have a width lessthan or approximately equal to the width L1 of the figure displayingelement 15 for the units. The reduction factor is here of the order of0.80.

The two display areas 7 and 30 occupy the remaining left-hand part ofthe display means 6. The upper half of this left-hand part is occupiedby the display area 30 and the lower part is occupied by the displayarea 7. The two display areas are separated by a bar 35.

The display area 30 comprises a series of four figure displayingelements 241, 242, 243, 244 forming the integer part of the price to bedisplayed, a separation point and a series of two figure displayingelements 240 forming the decimal part. Above these figure displayingelements, the display area 30 comprises a pictogram 34 capable ofdisplaying, as desired, the type of price indicated by the figuredisplaying elements of the area: “Unit.” for a price per unit, “/L.” fora price per litre, “/Kg” for a price per kilo. As for the display area7, this comprises a series of three figure displaying elements 21, 22,223 forming an integer part, a separation point 14, and then a secondseries of two figure displaying elements 220 forming a decimal part.Above, the area 7 comprises a first pictogram 31, and then a secondpictogram 19 capable of representing a currency symbol such as herepesetas (“Pts”, Spain),

ros or francs (“F”, France or Belgium, etc.). This area can display aconversion into another currency of the price displayed in the area 7.Preferentially, the pictogram “Pts” can be used to indicate that thenumber displayed in the display area 7 indicates the number of loyaltypoints the customer can receive for the purchase of the item underconsideration by the electronic label.

As previously, the figure displaying elements of these two areas arebased on the typical figure displaying elements of FIGS. 3 and 6.

As regards the area 30, the figure displaying element 241 is the basicfigure displaying element having a height H1 and a width L1 similar tothe typical figure displaying element 500. The figure displaying element242 is identical to the figure displaying element 241. The figuredisplaying element 243 is similar to the typical figure displayingelement 540 and has a width L5≈0.91*L1. The figure displaying element244 uses only the segments forming the right-hand column of the figuredisplaying element 243 without changing the dimensions thereof. Thefigure displaying elements 240 have a height H2 and a width less than orapproximately equal to the height H1 and the width L1 respectively ofthe figure displaying element 241. Here, the reduction factor is of theorder of 0.82.

As regards the area 7, the figure displaying element 21 is the basicfigure displaying element having a height H1 and a width L1 similar tothe typical figure displaying element 500. The figure displaying element22 has a width L2=0.95*L1. The figure displaying element 223 is similarto the typical figure displaying element 540 and has a width L5≈0.91*L1.The figure displaying elements 220 have a height H2 and a width lessthan or approximately equal to the height H1 and the width L1respectively of the figure displaying element 21. Here, the reductionfactor is of the order of 0.8.

In a variant 300 of the display device for an electronic label 200illustrated in FIG. 5, only the differences thereof will be described.The overall size of the display areas is greater as is that of thefigure displaying elements present in these areas.

The display area 9 comprises pictograms 332 and 333 in the form ofarrows situated to the left of the figure displaying element 217. Thedisplay area 7 has an additional figure displaying element 323 to theleft of the figure displaying element 223.

From the proportions point of view, for the display area 7, if thefigure displaying element 15 has a height H1 and a width L1:

-   -   the figure displaying element 16 has a width L2=0.95*L1;    -   the figure displaying element 217, similar to the typical figure        displaying element 540, has a width L5≈0.69*L2;    -   the figure displaying elements 213 have a height and a width of        the order of 0.77 times H1 and L1 respectively.

For the display area 30, if the figure displaying element 241 has aheight H1 and a width L1:

-   -   the figure displaying element 242 has a width L2=0.97*L1;    -   the figure displaying element 243, similar to the typical figure        displaying element 540, has a width L5≈0.78*L2;    -   the figure displaying element 244 comprises two segments in a        column which are identical to the segments of the right-hand        column of the FIG. 243;    -   the figure displaying elements 240 have a height and a width of        the order of 0.8 times H1 and L1 respectively.

Finally, for the display area 7, if the figure displaying element 21 hasa height H1 and a width L1:

-   -   the figure displaying element 22 has a width L2=0.91*L1;    -   the figure displaying element 223, similar to the typical figure        displaying element 540, has a width L5≈0.85*L2;    -   the figure displaying element 323, similar to the typical figure        displaying element 540, has a width approximately ≈0.82*L5;    -   the figure displaying elements 220 have a height and a width of        the order of 0.8 times H1 and L1 respectively.

Of course, many modifications can be made to these embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

In particular, the different embodiments described above and shown inthe drawings can be combined with one another in various ways.

Moreover, persons skilled in the art will know how to make the necessaryadaptations according in particular to the currency or currencies to betaken into account and the typical prices of the items according to thekind of store.

1. A display device (1; 100; 200; 300), in particular for an electroniclabel for a price display system in a store, comprising at least oneprice display area (7, 8, 9; 30) comprising at least two figuredisplaying elements (15, 16, 17; 21, 22, 23; 217; 241, 242, 243, 244;223; 323) of decreasing ranks intended to form an integer, characterisedin that at least part of a figure of higher rank has at least onedimension smaller than the corresponding dimension of a figure of lowerrank according to a ratio.
 2. A display device according to claim 1,characterised in that said dimension is the overall width of the figuredisplaying element (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5).
 3. A display device accordingto claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that each figure displayingelement comprises superposed left-hand vertical segments and superposedright-hand vertical segments, and in that said dimension is the width(L6, L7) of the left-hand segments.
 4. A display device according toclaim 3, characterised in that each figure displaying element compriseshorizontal segments extending between left-hand and right-hand generallyvertical segments, and in that said dimension is the length of thehorizontal segments.
 5. A display device according to claim 1,characterised in that the figure displaying elements form the integerpart of a main price display area of the display area.
 6. A displaydevice according to claim 1, characterised in that the ratio is between0.4 and
 1. 7. A display device according to claim 1, characterised inthat the display area comprises three figure displaying elements ofdecreasing rank intended to form an integer.
 8. A display deviceaccording to claim 1, characterised in that the display area comprisesfour figure displaying elements of decreasing rank intended to form aninteger.
 9. A display device according to claim 1, characterised in thatit comprises three price display areas.
 10. An electronic label, inparticular for a price display system in a store, characterised in thatit comprises a display device according to claim 1.